To have a reconstruction or not?

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Hi,

I’ve recently found out that I am a carrier of the BRCA 2 gene.

Due to this I have decided to join the waiting list for preventative surgery. So a double mastectomy and ovary removal.

What I am finding difficult to decide is whether or not to have my breasts reconstructed after surgery or not.

Initially I decided that I wanted to have silicone implants as the surgery which makes use of the body’s own fat store is much longer and more invasive.

Now I’m not sure. I’m worried about complications and having to go to and fro from the operation theatre for the rest of my life.

I wanted to ask for opinions from people who have been through a similar situation.

Suggestions please

Rose222 4 hours ago

I had a double mastectomy with flat closure in 2023 (aged 37) and have always been very happy with my decision, but I understand that it's not for everyone. I found BRCA chat (a charity) to be a useful website, they have a mastectomy gallery to see different types of results and so maybe that helps you to visualise different options? They also have stories from different women and in person and online events which perhaps could help to talk through your options with people who have been through it?

If you have any further questions that I can help with, don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you the best of luck with the decisions ahead xx

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